The Middle Ground

On today’s episode of Middle Ground, host Tom Letizia leads a timely and urgent discussion on the rise of antisemitism — from college campuses to online platforms and across our communities. Joining the conversation are two distinguished guests who are leading the fight against hate:

🎙️ Jolie Brislin, Regional Director for Nevada and Arizona of the Anti-Defamation League, shares her insights on combating extremism and building coalitions for change.
🎙️ Stefanie Tuzman, President and CEO of Jewish Nevada, discusses the importance of amplifying Jewish voices, protecting heritage, and responding to threats with resilience and education.

Together, they shed light on the roots of antisemitism, its growing impact, and how we can respond — not just as individuals, but as a united community.

Today’s Middle Ground show was a special two-guest edition, featuring two women who have dedicated their lives to public service and advocacy.

First, Judge Margaret Pickard of the Eighth Judicial District Court – Family Division shared insights from her remarkable career. Known for her fairness and compassion, Judge Pickard has long been a champion for children and families. Before taking the bench, she served as a Juvenile Dependency Hearing Master, where she dealt with some of the most sensitive and complex cases involving abuse, neglect, and family reunification. Her commitment to dignity and justice continues to make a meaningful impact in the courtroom and beyond.

The second guest was Minddie Lloyd, a passionate community leader who announced her candidacy for Clark County Public Administrator. Originally from Manila, Minddie’s life journey—from foster care to fierce advocacy—has fueled her mission to uplift vulnerable populations. Her deep understanding of the community and unwavering determination are at the heart of her campaign and service.

On today’s Middleground Radio, we welcome Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown, the first African American elected mayor of North Las Vegas and a lifelong resident of the city. With a strong background in education and community service, she brings both passion and extensive experience to her role. Prior to her mayoral position, she served on the City Council for over ten years and worked as an educator and administrator in the Clark County School District. Mayor Goynes-Brown now leads one of Nevada's fastest-growing cities, addressing both opportunities and challenges as North Las Vegas continues to develop. Thank you for joining us, Mayor Goynes-Brown.

Today on Middle Ground, we welcome Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero, who has strong ties to the community and previously served as a city councilwoman. Under her leadership, Henderson has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most livable cities, recognized for its focus on public safety, economic development, and quality of life. We'll explore the city's advancements, the challenges ahead, and Mayor Romero's vision for the future. Welcome, Mayor!

In today's episode of Middle Ground, we welcome Hilarie Grey, CEO of The Animal Foundation, one of the largest animal shelters in the U.S. Hilarie shares insights on the foundation's mission and the vital role it plays in the Las Vegas community. We'll discuss the challenges and successes in animal welfare, as well as how our community can get involved to support responsible pet ownership and strengthen the bond between humans and animals. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about making a meaningful difference!

On today's episode of Middle Ground Radio, we were joined by Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). Steve has been a driving force behind Las Vegas' evolution as a global tourism and convention leader. Under his leadership, the city has seen transformative developments, including the expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center and innovative marketing strategies that keep Las Vegas top-of-mind for visitors worldwide. We explored the current state of tourism, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and Steve's vision for continuing to elevate Las Vegas as the world’s premier destination for leisure and business travel.

Today on The Middle Ground Show, we had the pleasure of visiting with Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, a proud Clark County native who has dedicated her life to public service. From her early days as a PTA leader and Girl Scout troop leader to becoming Speaker of the Nevada Assembly and now serving her third term on the Clark County Commission, Marilyn's commitment runs deep. 🙌

She is a passionate advocate for improving community services, reducing traffic fatalities 🚦, addressing homelessness 🏠, and ensuring safe and vibrant neighborhoods. Marilyn also plays a key role as President of the Las Vegas Valley Water District Board and Chair of the Moapa Valley Fire Protection District. 💧🔥

Thank you, Commissioner Kirkpatrick, for your leadership and heart for our community! 💙

#MiddleGroundShow #ClarkCounty #NevadaStrong #PublicService #Leadership #MarilynKirkpatrick #CommunityMatters #LocalLeadership 🎙️💧🏠

On today’s Middle Ground Radio, host Tom Letizia sat down with veteran communications strategist Mark Fierro, President of Fierro Communications, Inc., for a compelling conversation on the art and science of media relations, crisis management, and storytelling in high-stakes environments.

With over 30 years of experience, Fierro offered a behind-the-scenes look into some of the most complex PR challenges of our time—including his work with the defense team in the Dr. Conrad Murray trial, which gripped the world in the aftermath of Michael Jackson’s death.

Listeners also got a glimpse into Fierro’s beginnings as a reporter and anchor at KLAS-TV Channel 8, his time as a Capitol Hill communications aide, and how his journalism degree from UNLV laid the foundation for a career rooted in truth, clarity, and strategic messaging. From courtroom battles to national headlines, Fierro shared valuable insights on how to navigate today’s media landscape with credibility and control.

This episode offered a masterclass in communication from one of Las Vegas’s most respected voices in the field.

In today’s show, we welcome David Riggleman, a seasoned communications expert and familiar voice to many Nevadans. With a rich background in broadcasting, David transitioned to a pivotal role as the Communications Director for the City of Las Vegas. He oversees all communications for this rapidly growing city, ensuring transparency and connectivity through effective messaging and crisis management. David shares insights from his unique experience at the intersection of media and government, discussing the challenges and strategies for effective communication in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Join us for an engaging conversation with a true storyteller dedicated to public service.

In today's episode of Middle Ground Radio, host Tom Letizia welcomes Don Hamrick, a veteran of the automotive industry, to explore the transformative forces shaping the future of cars. With extensive experience spanning dealership management, consumer trends, and global policies, Don provides valuable insights into how technology and evolving buyer habits are redefining the car business. Join us as we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the automotive world.